| Summary | |
| Introduction Addressing High School Taxes and School Levy System Jack is a liberty minded constitutional and fiscal conservative. The Constitution is Jack’s guideline for everything he does in the civil world, and the Bible is his guide for the religious world. | |
| Jack and Richard discussed their concerns about high school taxes and the fact that large school spending has not equated with good school performance. They agreed that the system needs improvement and more transparency, particularly in relation to the allocation of funds and the salaries of school employees. Jack indicated that there are many fine teachers, but we have not seen the results for all of the money spent. | |
| County Budget Discussion and Accountability | |
| Jack and Richard discussed the county budget and the allocation of funds. Jack spoke highly of Edwina Benites as the new County Administrator. Jack expressed concern about the county commissioners’ weak questioning during budget presentations and suggested that they should ask tougher questions. He also emphasized the need for a detailed, to-the-penny accounting of how funds have been spent in the past Both agreed that the county administrators should provide more detailed information about the budget and ask questions such as how county funds are being supplemented by fundraising by a particular organization, for example. | |
| Improving Communication, Budget, and Emergency Services | |
| Jack and Richard discussed the importance of clear communication and being able to ask a good question, drawing from Jack’s experience in the military and aerospace industries. They also discussed the challenges faced by the county, particularly in relation to the budget for 1st responders and the need to increase it. Jack suggested a boost of 35 to the current 35 officers, despite acknowledging that this might not be fiscally possible. They also discussed the need for improvements in the local fire and ambulance services. Jack indicated that the independent fire houses are doing a great job with Richard suggesting the possibility of establishing a firehouse in Shannondale. Jack mentioned that Mike Mood, who has a good understanding of the problem, would be consulted for further guidance. | |
| Improving Road Infrastructure and Emergency Services | |
| Richard and Jack discussed the need for improved road infrastructure and emergency services in their area. They highlighted safety concerns due to the lack of a Southern exit from Shannondale and suggested exploring options like returning an ambulance to the firehouse on the mountain. Jack expressed concerns about prior deals and proposed a review of previous policy decisions regarding public safety decisions. Richard also noted the need for improvements in waste management and recycling, such as improvement of recycling facilities at the county dump. Both prioritized the well-being of residents and taking beneficial actions. Jack suggested having a town hall when there is a big issue. | |
| West Virginia Referendum and Comprehensive Plan Discussion | |
| Jack and Richard discussed the process of initiating a referendum in West Virginia, with Jack explaining that special elections can only be held during regularly scheduled primaries or federal elections. [Editorial note: West Virginia does not allow referendums at the county level. Only cities can hold referendums. School levies and bonds can now only be held during Primary or General elections, not special elections.] They also discussed the Comprehensive Plan for Jefferson County, with Jack expressing concerns about the lack of restrictions on development and the absence of traceability from the old plan to the new one. Richard mentioned that the new plan is more like a vision, and the actual county ordinance, the Solar Text amendment, legally allows solar farms. Jack voted against forwarding the Comprehensive Plan to the County Commission due to these concerns. Objective 1.4.1 needs review and more work, as it can be interpreted as allowing any kind of development in Jefferson County without restriction. The old Comprehensive plan used the word “beauty” 27 times, while the new plan uses the word “beauty” zero (0) times. Jack wants to know what is new in the proposed comprehensive plan, and what has been deleted. | |
| Solar Text Amendment and Zoning Discussions | |
| Richard and Jack discussed the Solar Text Amendment, which was initially repealed but later reinstated. Jack expressed his desire to remove the solar text amendment and change zoning laws to include stronger regulations on solar farms. He also mentioned that five solar farms in the county have been approved, which he believes are visible on main roads and could potentially be expanded if new transmission lines are added. Richard brought up a meeting about a proposed power line corridor, which Jack confirmed was related to the issue of solar farms reaching their transmission line limit. | |
| Corner Connection Meeting and Candidate Discussion | |
| Jack and Richard discussed a meeting at Corner Connection, 108 S. Samuel St. in Charles Town on October 23rd at 6:30 p.m., a community event where Jack plans to learn more about the expansion of high voltage lines in Jefferson County. Jack praised the group for their thorough research and substantiated information. Jack also discussed one opponent who is a very liberal Democrat who came out in full support of LGBTQ at a candidate’s forum. His opponent also supports the Green New Deal while saying he is anti-solar. | |
| Jack’s other opponent is Mountain Party. Jack indicated that the Mountain Party platform is far more liberal than the Democrats platform. He indicated that this candidate often insults the existing County Commissioners during public testimony time. Jack may not agree with every County Commissioner, but he wants to keep a cordial relationship with them. Jack invited anyone with a question to contact him personally. Jack discussed that he did not author the solar text amendment to allow solar farms. He indicated that those developing the solar projects should be held to account for all of the conditions that were included in the resolution that was passed by the County Commission. There should be heavy fines when solar developers do not comply with all of the agreed conditions. The Blake solar farm has been horrendous. He explained the process of conditional use permits for solar farms, which first go to the Board of Zoning Appeals and then to the Planning Commission. If the Board of Zoning Appeals approves the site plan, then the Planning Commission cannot reverse it. The Planning Commission can vote on the site plan and the proffers. Jack voted for proffers to make the conditions for solar developers more severe. As a planning commissioner, he also voted against a recent solar development proposal due to a lack of notification of the surrounding community. Jack shared that he is the only County Commissioner candidate who has passed a CIA lifestyle polygraph. | |
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